The BJP’s kind of identity politics is difficult to sustain over the longer termA combination of welfarism, communalism and smart though daring alliances helped the BJP win a second consecutive term in Assam. A third front of Assamese nationalists, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Raijor Dal, could win only one seat. The BJP performed well in Upper Assam, and the Barak Valley, though marginally weaker than its 2016 performance. The AIUDF-Congress alliance swept Lower Assam, but overall, they ended up with a net loss by joining hands. The BJP campaign focused on the imaginary prospect of AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal becoming the CM, mobilising two variants of backlash — from the Assamese nationalists and Hindu nationalists.

Source: The Hindu May 07, 2021 18:32 UTC